San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
VEGETABLES
FROM PAGE 4
Growing a vegetable garden is not only a practical pursuit – it can also be a worthwhile form of exercise and engaging way to spend leisure time as a productive hobby, adds Aaditya Bhatta, editor and founder of Plantscraze.com in Orange County.
Eager to create your own veggie garden? First, choose the right location in your yard.
“Plants need good soil, water, light and space to grow. The best beginner raised bed garden sizes are at least 4 by 8 feet or up to 10 by 10 feet,” Christian recommends. “Pick a spot with full sun, good drainage and close access to your garden hose.”
Additionally, select a spot as far away from kids and pets as possible.
Prepare your soil properly by aiming for a 60/30/10 mixture of 60 percent topsoil, 30 percent compost and 10 percent potting soil.
Remove any sod present from your chosen location and top it off with 4 inches of compost. You may want to rent or borrow a tiller to break up the ground below and work in the compost, adds Christian.
When it’s time to choose your vegetables, consider species that are recommended for your growing zone and based on frost dates in your area.
“Fighting mother nature is an uphill battle, so look up your USDA hardiness zone and which vegetables grow best there,” notes Christian.
Ask Bhatta and he’ll tell you that greens like collards, lettuce, kale, turnips and cress are the easiest and least demanding vegetables to grow.
“I would also recommend kale, spinach, carrots, beans, potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes for inexperienced gardeners,” says Bhatta.
In David Angelov’s experience, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are the fastest growers.
“Tomatoes need loose soil to spread the roots, along with a tomato cage to support their weight once they get bigger. Cucumbers also need something to climb onto like a string or cage, as they grow vertically on the vine,” says David Angelov, CEO and founder of Plantparenthood in Swampscott, Mass.
Recommended planting steps will vary from vegetable to vegetable, so read up on what’s required online before planting.
“Read the seed packet instructions carefully before starting as a beginner,” advises Bhatta.
Be sure to water your garden daily for the first several weeks; then, you can move on to possibly watering weekly.
“Remember that roots grow deeper when they are watered more thoroughly and less often,” says Christian.
Use a sprinkler on a timer or in-ground sprinkling system for best results.
“Most taller veggies need support while growing. A stake or string does the trick, but tying them up to a wall with some eye hooks works well, too. Use a garden twine that is easily cut at the end of the season and will not damage the plant,” adds Angelov.
Lastly, make sure to harvest your veggies when they are ready, Angelov notes, as letting them sit on the plants too long can result in spoilage and spread decay inside the plant, possibly ruining your crop for the season.